Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Horrific Shooting’ In Juvenile Case

By Hunter Odom [former] - June 8, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Juveniles | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found “strong probable cause” that a young defendant committed assault with intent to murder. 

Antron Belk, 16, is charged as an adult with assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 25, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.

The incident left a man suffering from life-threatening injuries. 

According to court documents, anonymous calls were made to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of gunshots in the area and a man lying on the ground. Officers responded and found a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. 

The lead detective was questioned by prosecutors about surveillance footage related to the crime.

In the footage, the victim is seen riding a scooter on the sidewalk when a black car pulls up and stops in the middle of the road. Two suspects are seen getting out of the car, followed by shots being fired, even after the victim fell to the ground. Two suspects then return to the car and quickly drive off, turning down a main road. 

The car was caught on a speed camera on the 1400 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE within seconds of leaving the scene of the shooting. The suspects are allegedly seen later walking through Hayes Street after discarding some of their clothes. 

A screen capture of the video was used to identify Belk as one of the alleged suspects by four different individuals. 

Christen Philips Romero, Belk’s defense attorney, questioned the lead detective about the reliability of the identifications, stating that the initial surveillance footage is too blurry and the only clear shot of the defendant cannot link him to his alleged crime. 

Belk’s mother also identified him as a suspect in a separate video shown to her by the lead detective. 

Judge Demeo found strong probable cause, concluding that MPD officers were able to track the suspect’s vehicle.

She also stated that the lack of evidence the victim had a weapon on him or tried shooting back indicated the attack was premeditated.

“This is a really horrific shooting… it’s almost a shock that this person is not deceased,” said Judge Demeo. 

Parties are expected back for a felony status hearing on Aug. 18.